usSEABED FACies data for the Louisiana Region (LA_FAC)

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title: usSEABED FACies data for the Louisiana Region (LA_FAC)
Abstract:
The facies data layer (FAC) is a point coverage of known sediment samplings, inspections, and probings from the usSEABED data collection and integrated using the software system dbSEABED.
The facies data layer (FAC) represents concatenated information about components (minerals and rock type), genesis (igneous, metamorphic, carbonate, terrigenous), and other appropriate groupings of information about the seafloor. The facies data are parsed from written descriptions from cores, grabs, photographs, and videos, and may apply only to a subsample as denoted by the Top, Bottom, and SamplePhase fields.
Lack of values in a defined facies field does not necessarily imply lack of the components defining that field, but may imply a lack of data for that field.
Supplemental_Information:
This data layer is a subset of the original usSEABED Gulf Coast data release version 1.0, and is geographically clipped to the Louisiana geographical region.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2007, usSEABED FACies data for the Louisiana Region (LA_FAC): Open-File Report 2006-1195, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Williams, S.J., Arsenault, M.A., Buczkowski, B.J., Reid, J.A., Flocks, J.G., Kulp, M.A., Penland, S., and Jenkins, C.J., 2007, Surficial Sediment Character of the Louisiana Offshore Continental Shelf Region: a GIS Compilation: Open-File Report 2006-1195, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -94.396670
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -88.208610
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.371110
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 27.436800
  3. What does it look like?
    https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1195/browseimages/la_fac.jpg (JPEG)
    Image map showing extent of data layer coverage
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2007
    Currentness_Reference:
    publication date
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Entity point (1095)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.000001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.400000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.978698.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    LA_FAC
    Shapefile Attribute Table (Source: ESRI)
    FID
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI) Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI) Coordinates defining the features.
    LATITUDE
    Latitude coordinate of sample location (Source: source data)
    Range of values
    Minimum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Maximum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Units:decimal degrees
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate of sample location (Source: source data)
    Range of values
    Minimum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Maximum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Units:decimal degrees
    SITEKEY
    Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    WATERDEPTH
    measured water depth for site (usually uncorrected) (Source: source data)
    Range of values
    Minimum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Maximum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Units:meters
    SAMPLEKEY
    Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SAMPLER
    Equipment used to collect samples (Source: Original data source) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SAMPLEPHAS
    Sample Phase; records whether the results are for the whole, bulk sediment or just to some special part (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Output as a word-based description that may involve numerics. This field will need to be selected against when GIS mappings of the bulk sediment characters are being mapped. Only blank entries should be included in such a mapping.
    SITE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SAMPLETOP
    measured subbottom depth information for each point sample (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.)
    Range of values
    Minimum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Maximum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Units:meters
    DATATYPE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    TERRIGENOU
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    VOLCANIC
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    MINERALIZE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SILCPELAG
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SHELL
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    CALCPELAG
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    CARBMUD
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    CARBSAND
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SAMPLEBASE
    measured subbottom depth information for each point sample (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.)
    Range of values
    Minimum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Maximum:Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Units:meters
    CALCCRUST_
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    ZCORAL_
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    CORALREEF
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    OOLITE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SPONGE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    DATASETKEY
    Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    BRYOZOAN
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    LARGEFRM
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    RHODOLITH
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    CORALLNALG
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    HALIMEDA
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    PHOSPHATE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    HEAVYMIN
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    GLAUC_RELI
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SEAGRASS
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    PLANTS
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    MNNODULE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: Information unavailable from original metadata.) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    Values of -99 for any field are indications that there was no data available.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Matthew A. Arsenault
    U.S. Geological Survey
    IT Specialist (Data Management)
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    (508) 548-8700 x2354 (voice)
    (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
    marsenault@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

To build a digital mapping of the character of the seabed on regional, national and global scales. These data are intended for science researchers, students, policy makers, and the general public. The data can be used with geographic information systems (GIS) software to display geologic and oceanographic information.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (source 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey, and Colorado, University of, 2006, GMX_FAC: usSEABED FACies data for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands): Data Series 146, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Buczkowski, B.J., Reid, J.A., Jenkins, C.J., Reid, J.M., Williams, S.J., and Flocks, J.G., 2006, usSEABED: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) Offshore Surficial Sediment Data Release: Data Series 146, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    See separate listing contained within the Larger_Work_Citation of the Source_Citation for specific sources and associated metadata
    Type_of_Source_Media: online
    Source_Contribution:
    point locations, descriptions and analytical data on many different types of sediment and rock materials and benthos for the entire Gulf coast
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2006 (process 1 of 5)
    The data contained in this report were clipped from the larger citation using the 'Select' tool in the ArcToolbox, and selected using the following criteria: "LATITUDE" >=26.405 and "LATITUDE" <=30.643and "LONGITUDE" <=-88.2020 and "LONGITUDE" >=-94.39667 Person who carried out this activity:
    Matthew A. Arsenault
    U.S. Geological Survey
    IT Specialist (Data Management)
    384 Woods Hole Rd
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2354 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    marsenault@usgs.gov
    Data sources used in this process:
    • GMX_FAC
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • LA_FAC
    Date: 20-Oct-2017 (process 2 of 5)
    Edits to the metadata were made to fix any errors that MP v 2.9.36 flagged. This is necessary to enable the metadata to be successfully harvested for various data catalogs. In some cases, this meant adding text "Information unavailable" or "Information unavailable from original metadata" for those required fields that were left blank. Other minor edits were probably performed (title, publisher, publication place, etc.). Reordered the links in the identification section so a landing page link is first. Attempted to modify http to https where appropriate. Some attributes were incompletely defined and had to be modified to meet the standard. The metadata date (but not the metadata creator) was edited to reflect the date of these changes. The metadata available from a harvester may supersede metadata bundled within a download file. Compare the metadata dates to determine which metadata file is most recent. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
    Marine Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    vatnipp@usgs.gov
    Date: 20-Jul-2018 (process 3 of 5)
    USGS Thesaurus keywords added to the keyword section. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
    Marine Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    vatnipp@usgs.gov
    Date: 18-Nov-2019 (process 4 of 5)
    Crossref DOI link was added as the first link in the metadata. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
    Marine Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    vatnipp@usgs.gov
    Date: 08-Sep-2020 (process 5 of 5)
    Added keywords section with USGS persistent identifier as theme keyword. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
    Marine Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    vatnipp@usgs.gov
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Buczkowski, B.J., Reid, J.A., Jenkins, C.J., Reid, J.M., Williams, S.J., and Flocks, J.G., 2006, usSEABED: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) Offshore Surficial Sediment Data Release, version 1.0: Data Series 146, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Accuracy of each attribute is dependent on the accuracy of the lineage data.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Locational accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the navigational technique from the individual data sources and may vary widely (e.g., from 0.005km (differential GPS) in more recent surveys to greater than 2 km based on radar, Loran, or dead reckoning in older surveys.) Users of the data should use their own criteria for assessing the accuracy of the locations.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Locational accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the navigational technique from the individual data sources. Users of the data should use their own criteria for assessing the accuracy of the locations.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Additional useable data may exist in this area; the authors appreciate any information and leads.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Data in usSEABED are based on the observations and analyses of others, filtered through a unifying and mining software. Each source report varies in type of information/data recorded and format. Only those observations that are recorded can be filtered and mined; only presence (not absence) or information can be noted.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints None
Use_Constraints Public domain data from the U.S. Government are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the source of this information.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Matthew A. Arsenault
    U.S. Geological Survey
    IT Specialist (Data Management)
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    (508) 548-8700 x2354 (voice)
    (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
    marsenault@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Although this data set has been used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and/or related materials. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data or related materials. Trade, firm, or product names and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, USDOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
    • Availability in digital form:
      Data format: Text file containing data input to usSEABED. Fields are comma separated values. First record of file contains field names. in format ASCII Size: 19.1
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1195/data/usseabed/la_fac.txt
      Media you can order: CD-ROM (Density 650 Mbytes) (format ISO 9660 and HFS)
      Data format: The SHP file contains the geospatial data. The SHX file contains the index of the geospatial data. The DBF file contains the attribute data in dBASE format. The PRJ file contains the coordinate system information (optional). The AVL file contains the legend information (optional). The SBN and SBX files contain the spatial index of the geospatial data (optional). The XML file contains the metadata describing the data set <data set name>.shp.xml. An ASCII version of the metadata file. A browse graphic showing the data layer coverage and extent (optional). in format SHP (version Information unavailable from original metadata.) ESRI Shapefile
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1195/data/usseabed/la_fac.zip
      https://pubs.usgs.gov/ofr/2006/1195/htmldocs/data_catalog.htm
      Media you can order: CD-ROM (Density 650 Mbytes) (format ISO 9660 and HFS)
    • Cost to order the data: None

  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    These data are available in Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) shapefile format. The user must have ArcGIS® or ArcView® 3.0 or greater software to read and process the data file. In lieu of ArcView or ArcGIS, the user may utilize another GIS application package capable of importing the data. A free data viewer, arcexplorer, capable of displaying the data is available from ESRI at www.esri.com.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 18-Mar-2024
Metadata author:
Matthew A. Arsenault
U.S. Geological Survey
IT Specialist (Data Management)
384 Woods Hole Rd.
Woods Hole, MA
USA

(508) 548-8700 x2354 (voice)
(508) 457-2310 (FAX)
whsc_data_contact@usgs.gov
Contact_Instructions:
The metadata contact email address is a generic address in the event the person is no longer with USGS. (updated on 20240318)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/open_file_report/ofr2006-1195/la_facmeta.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Mon Mar 25 16:05:25 2024